Thread store device



Jari. 3Q, 1940.

w. F. KNEBUSCH 2,188,359v

THREAD sEoEE DEVICE original Filed Feb. 18, 1935 ,summum INVENTOR WLTER F. KNEBUSCH ATTORNEY Patented. Jan. 30, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcr.

wllm Ff new m to Industrial Rayon Generation, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Application February 1s, ma sum No. l:,us

Renewed February 25,1938

1s om. (ci zie-ss) l This invention relates to means for adjusting threadstore devices of a type adapted, during op eration thereof, to wind thread or other material on the device in a plurality of successive generally helical turns which turns are bodily advanced lengthwise of the device by the action of the elements thereof. The invention has application,

at least in certain of its aspects, to thread store devices generally. It has particular application l0 to thread store devices taking the form of reels made up of a plurality of rigid, generally cylindrical reel memberseach of which has a periphery comprised of a` plurality of longitudinally extending bar members in which the bar members of the respective reel members arealternately disposed and in which the axes of the reel members are spaced from and inclined to each other.

Specifically, the invention relates to means for adjusting the pitch lof the generally helical turns N of thread or other material advanced by the thread store device during operation thereof. Among other things, it is an object of the invention to provide means for adjusting the pitch of the generally-helical turns of thread or other material by adjustment of the degree of inclination of the axesof the members going to make up the device. Other objects of the invention will be in part pointed out hereinafter and will be in part apparent from the`following illustrative descrip- $0 tion of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises a reel of the type above mentioned adapted to advance thread or the like in generally helical form.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation, on line I-I Fig. 2, through one formy of reel embodying the invention.. Fig. 2 is aplan corresponding to Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional elevation on a larger scale on line 3 3, Fig. 2. Fig. 41s a detail sectional elevationon line 4 4, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an end view of the reel fromthe left in Fig. l. Fig. 6 ls a detail sectional elevation on line 8-6, Fig. l. Like reference characters serve to identify like parts in all figures of the drawing.

While reels embodying the invention maybe employed in the handling of various kinds of materials, they may be used to particular advantage in the handling of thread or the like which is subject-ed to a liquid processingl treatment while 50 stored on the reel. Thus the reel described hereinafter asv embodying the invention is shown as deslgnedfor employment in an apparatus for the ycontinuous processing of artificial silk thread. However, inasmuch as the invention relates pargg ticuiarly to the means for varying the lead of the helical turns of thread which are produced by and which travel along the reel, descrlptionof that portion of the mechanism will be sufficient for the purposes of this application.

In the drawing, the vreference character l des- 6 ignates a suitable gear casing of hollow box form designed to enclose the gears'for driving a. plurality, say ve, of the reels. In said casing is Journalied adriving shaft 1 which at intervals along itslength is provided with spiral gears l, one for l0 each reel tobe driven. f Eachofsaidspiralgears meshes with a spiralgear 4 rotatable upon a shaft i but capable of driving connection with said shaft by operation of a-clutch indicated generally at l, the movabieclutch member being op- 1U erated in any suitable manner, as by a lever 1. Shaft 5 is journalled in opposite walls, of the gear casing, projecting from one side thereof where its projecting portion both supports and drives the reel now to be described.

lto the shaft in any suitable manner, as by a nut I2 threaded upon its end. The outer cylindrical body portion 0 is provided with a series `of longi- 30 v tudinally extending recesses il formed between radially extending longitudinal bars I'l. This reel member 8 is called the concentric member because all of its parts are symmetrically disposed about the axis of shaft 5, so that when the 35 shaft I is rotated, the reel member rotates conv cent1-lenny about the shaft axis. It is rigid m the sense that all of its parts are relatively immovable with respect to each other and with respectto shaft I. 1 40 In the recesses Il of the concentric reel member lie the bars I8 ofthe second rigid reel member;

l i. e., the eccentric reel member, said member comprising inner and outer ring-like members Il, 2l. Such eccentric reel member, ylike the concentric reel member, is rigid in the sense that all of its parts are immovable with respect to each other. The ring-like members I 9,20 comprising it are respectively externally land internally tapered,

, being secured together by screws 2l which, when 60 screwed up to the-home position, securely-'clamp the bars I8 in place between the inner and outer ring-like members. Innerkring-llke member Il is provided with a central sleeve 22 journalled upon a tubular member 28 suitably attached, as by the feet l2li, to a supporting member 25 adjustably mounted upon the front wall of the gear casing I. The eccentric reel member is so called because, while it is of generally cylindrical form, the axis thereof is concentric with the axis of member 23, which is so mounted that its axis is both slightly offset from and inclined with relation to the axis of shaft 5.

Infthellustrated reel, the axis of `5theveccentric the concentric reel member; so that the inclinar. tion thereof is with respect to a line in such plane parallel to the axis of the concentric reel member. In the operation of the reel shown rotation of the shaft 5 by the gearing -andthrough the clutch above described drives `the, concentric reel member, which, through bars Il, I8, drives the eccentric reel member. v inclined relation of the axes ofthetwojreel members causes the thread led to the reel VAto bel wound upon it as a. series of spaced helical turns which progress bodily lalong the reel to its discharge end.

The reel asa.v whole is of cantilever form in the sense that it is both supported and driven from one end only;towit, from the end from which f 1 shaft 5 is driven.

' and the sleeve 272, channel 26 being providedat its-,outer en'd withfa grease gun receiving nipple In theV `rlembodiment shown, the supporting member is provided with a channel 26 communicating with a passage 21 in member 23 leading to thebearing surfaces between member .23

device 28 for supplying lubricating grease or other material. Member 25 is provided with op- 'positely disposed arms 29, each of which near its r-outer endhas a curved slot to receive a cap screw 3| threadedthrough said slot into an opening in a block` 32 integral'with'and forming a f part' 'of the front wall of the gear casing l. Each block 32 is wide'enough to receive the ends of the v arms 29 of two adjacent reelsupports. Further, each block has its front face; i. e.,- the face which is presented' to an operator standing at the front ofthe machine, inclined from the vertical. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed from the front of the machine or from the left-ln Fig.

1, the front surface of the block is inclined downl ward away from the observer. The rear faces of the end portions of arms 29 which are in contact with the blocks are correspondingly inclined.

'I'he parts above described are so formed that when the member 23 is secured in its support 25 and said support is clamped to the gear casing with its arms 29 extending horizontally, the axis of the member 23, and consequently the axis of the eccentric reel member, extends horizontally in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane passing through the axis of shaft 5. The axis of the member 23, and therefore the.axis of the eccentric reel member, is, however, slightly inclined with relation to the axis of the shaft 5. The amount of the inclination determines the pitch of the turns of thread wound in helical form upon the reel vand progressively advanced along it. A very slight variation in the degree of inclination produces material variation in the spaces between turns of thread.

With the arrangement described, 'by'loosening the cap screws 3l in the opposite' arms of supporting member 25 and turning said arms substantially about the axis of shaft 5, thus raising one of its arms and lowering the other, the degree of inclination of the reel member carried by said supporting member 25 may be increased or In operation, the offset andA diminished so asto adjust it to any des'ircdvalue within reasonable limits. Specifically, in the oase of an operator facing the reel from the left in Fig. l, if member 25 is'adjusted so as to drop its `right hand arm and raise its left hand arm, the

effect will be to swing the member 25 lateraily toward the lower part of Fig. 2. The inclined surfaces of the blocks 32 are in effect cam faces,

while member25, whichhh'as" corresponding cam reel member lies'in'a-plane pa'rallelto the axis of reelmembers are both of generally cylindrical form with their respective sets of bars in alternating relation.; -Each of the rigid reel members rotates-about a definite axis, the concentric reel memberrotating about the axis of shaft 5 and the eccentric reel member about the axis of member23T The adjustment describedA provides simple means for varying the inclined relation between the axes. All parts are readily accessible andthe ,adjustment is` convenient lto the operatolipbut lthe reels are nevertheless held firmly in the' desired position.

l vF'urther advantages of the` invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

' It will be understood that the `thread store device herein shown and described is illustrative viously, thread store4 devices ofY the kind contemplated by the invention may be applied to various other y uses than those above indicated.

Other changes also may be made without in any 'way departing from thespirit ofthe invention, the scope of whichis intended to be indicated in and by the accompanying claims. j

It isintended that the patent shall cover, by

suitable expression inthe appended claims, whatinvention.

WhatIclaimis: g y 1.,'A reel comprising two sets. of interdigitating bar membersl each of which sets is lsubstantially circular 'in cross sectionja vframe in which one set of bar 'membersis"journalled; a support on which the other set of bar members is 'journal1ed; and means for varying the relation of said sets of bar membersv comprising arms onfsaid support adjustably connected to said frame.

2. A reel comprising two sets of interdigitating bar members each of which sets is lsubstantially circular in cross section; a frame in which one set of bar members is journalled; a support in which the other set of bar members is journalled; and means for varying the relation of said sets oi' bar members comprising arms on said support ever features of patentable novelty reside in the connected to said frame.

4'. Av reel comprising tworeel members; a frame in -whih one of said members is journalled; a

support on `which the other member isjournalled; and .means for varying the relation of the second member to the first member comprising arms on said support adlustably connectedto the frame lyinclinedfac ontheframe. ,l

5. Areelcoin'prising twor'eelmembers; aframe in which one of said members isjourhalled: a support on which. the other member is joui'.- nailed: and means for varying the'rela'tionofthe second member to the ilrst member support comprising arms on said supporting means Vadjustablyconn'ected to -the frame faces held against inclined cooperatingfaces on the frame.

advancing elements normally inclined with respect to each other:'a frame supporting one of said thread-advancing elements; and, adjustably associated with said frame, means supporting the other of said thread-advancing elements. said supporting means embodying an inclined surface held against a cooperating surface on said frame.

'1. A thread store device comprising two threadadvancing elements normally inclined from parallelism with each other: a frame supporting one of said thread-advancing elements: and, adJustably associated with said frame, means supporting the other of said thread-advancing elements, said supporting means embodying an inclined surface held minste, correspondingly inclined surface on said frame.

8.' A thread store device comprising two threadadvancing `elements normally inclined from parallelism with-each other; a frame supporting one of said thread-advancing elements; and, adjustably associated with said frame. means supporting the other of said thread-advancing, elements, said frame embodying Van inclined surface against which is held a cooperating surface on said supporting means. y

9. A reel comprising two sets of interdigitating bar members each of which sets is substantially circular in cross section; a frame in which one set of bar members is Journalled: a support in which the other set of bar members is journalled; and means for varying the relation of .said sets of bar members' comprising arms on said support connected to said frame in a manner permitting selective movement of said support while in contact with said frame.

10. A. thread store device comprising two thread-advancing elements normally inclined from parallelism with eachother; a frame supporting one of said thread-advancing elements; and, adjustably associated to said frame. means supporting the other of saidthread-advancing elements, said supporting means including a cam face and a follower held against said cam face.

11. A thread store device comprising two thread-advancing members each of which is substantially circular in cross section; a frame supporting one of said thread-advancing members; and, adjustably associated with said frame, means supporting the other of said thread-advancing members, said supporting means including a cam face and a follower held against said cam face.

l2. A winding reel comprising a frame member; a ilrst set of bar members which set is subn stantiaily circular in cross section rotatably supported from said frame member; a second set of bar members alternating with those of said first set, said second set of bar members beingubstantially circular in cross section; a suppdrting member on which said second set of bar members is journalled for rotation, the axis of rotation of said second set of bar members being at all times coincident with the axis of said supporting memsQissQsso f having=inclinedfaces heid b er; and means adjustably connecting said supmember and said frame member whereby said supporting member may be moved to a variety `of 'positions in which the axis of rotation of said second set of bar members is in inclined relation to the axis oi rotation of said first set of bar members.

i3. A winding reel comprising a frame vmemb er; a shaft rotatably journalled in said frame member: a ilrst set of bar members mounted concentrically of said shaft, said set of bar members being substantially circular in cross section; a second set of bar members alternating with those of said first set, said secondset of bar members being substantially circular in cross section: a supporting member having a surface of revolution on which said second set of bar members is iournalled for rotation. the axis of rotation of said second set of bar members being at all -times coincident with the axis of said surface of revolution: and means adjustably connecting said supporting member and said frame member whereby said supporting member may be moved to a variety of positions in which the axis of said surface of revolution is in inclined relation to said shaft.

14. A winding reel comprising a frame member;. a shaft rotatably journailed in said frame member; a ilrst set of bar members mounted concentrically of said shaft. said set of bar members being substantially circular in cross section; a second set of bar members alternating with those of said rst set. said second set of bar members being substantially circular in cross section: a supporting member surrounding said shaft having a surface of revolution on which said second set of bar members is journalled for rotation,

the aids of rotation -of said second set of bar l members being at all times coincident with the axis of said surface of revolution; and means adjustably connecting said supporting member and said frame member whereby said supporting member may be moved to a variety of positions in which theaxis of said surface of revolution is in inclined relation to the axis of'rotation of said shaft.

l5. A winding reel comprising a frame member; a first set of bar members rotatably supported from said frame member, said set of bar members being substantially circular in cross section: a second set of bar members alternating with those of said ilrst set, said second set of bar members being substantially circular in cross section; a supporting member on which said second set of bar members is journalled for rotation, the axis of rotation of said second set of bar members being at all times coincident with the axis of said supporting member; and means providing an adinstable connection between said supporting member'and said frame member comprising cooperating cam surfaces at the juncture of the supporting 'member and said frame member, whereby said supporting member may be moved to a variety of positions in which the axis of ro'- tation of said second set of bar members is in inclined relation to the axis of rotation of said-first set of bar members.

16. A winding reel comprising a frame member; a firstl set of bar members rotatably supported from said frame member, said set of bar members being substantially circular in cross section; a. second set of bar members alternating with those of said first set, said second set of. bar members being substantially circular in cross section; a supporting member on which said second set of bar members is iournalled for rotation: 'f5

and means providingsn betweennid mmortinsmember md Mrame member comprisingst least one 'on said supporting member extending oi thesxislof rotation of said second setjofjbsr member-sand at least one cam face :on ssid= frame member, whereby said supporting member may be moved tQf S variety o i positions in' which the axis of rotation ot said second 'set of bar membersvis in inclined xelaJ members vbeim;-substsm-.muyY circular memes s section;-A a second set of bar members alternating with .and -in inclined relation to those ci' ssid mst set, said second set ot bar membersjbcinz substantially circular in cross sectionzsnd a. secmember surrounding,suii`iix-stpcrtin'gmember'on whichfis rotstsbly mountedy second setdosf bar members; 'said second mmh?! -hwimz therein an onenis f whichv saidA 'mst summing member PQSSQs'EhicIi-.opening is 'substantially greater thsnthe' peripheryvvof ssi'dy nrst supporting member ber: sj rotatably .ioumsued in `sani mme member;4 s. iirst set of' bur` members mounted concentricslly of saidshstt, 'seid setof bar mem- A 'circuisrin cross section;

s. second set of bar members alternating with and in inciinedrelstion to those oi said first set: and s. supporting member surrounding said shaft on which supporting membersaid second set of bsx' members .is rotatably' mounted, said supporting member' comprising :s concentric hollow cylinwALTERn'KNnnUscn A CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION.

paient Ne. 2,188,559. Janusz-y 50,' 19m.

' wALTER F. KNEBUSCH. It'. is hereby certified that error appears `in the printed speeification of the` above numbered patent requiring correction as foilows: Page 2, second column, line 61, Claim 2 after "frame"v and before the period, .insert in a manner permitting movement ,of saidveupport to a variety of positions;

ih which seid sets of' bei members are ifi inclined relatien'te each other;

page '5,- first col'lmnn, line 7, claim 5, strike out the word "s upport'Y; line 85 same. claim, i101 "supporting means" read support; line 1537111, claim for "with respect to" read. from parallelism with.' line 52, VClaim '10, for "tdw-read with; and that the'seid Letters 'Pstent'sheuldbe read'with this Acorrection ,therein that the smne my confor-'m to the record of the case in the Psteht office. y

signed and sealed this 19th .day ef Merch, A. D. 19m.

` e Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) -Acting Comnissioner of s Patents, 

